YouTube has started testing an experimental feature that allows users to add contextual notes to videos.
This feature aims to provide viewers with relevant, timely, and easy-to-understand context on videos.
A bridging-based algorithm helps identify notes that are helpful to a broad audience across perspectives.
In a move set to enhance the viewer experience, YouTube has started testing an experimental feature that allows users to add contextual notes to videos. This addition aims to provide viewers with relevant, timely, and easy-to-understand context on videos.
Here’s an in-depth look at this new development and what it means for viewers.
Also read: YouTube to introduce Google Lens integration: Here’s how it will help
Who is writing and rating notes?
As of now, a limited number of eligible contributors will be invited via email or Creator Studio notification to write notes so that YouTube can test the feature and improve its systems before the company considers expanding.
In this initial pilot phase, third-party evaluators will assess the helpfulness of the contextual notes, aiding in the training of YouTube’s systems. These evaluators are the same individuals who provide feedback on YouTube’s search results and recommendations. As the pilot progresses, YouTube plans to involve contributors themselves in rating the notes.
Also read: YouTube releases ‘Thumbnail Test & Compare’ feature: What is it and how does it work
How does note rating work?
Notes will appear publicly under a video if they are found broadly helpful. Users will be asked to rate a note as “helpful,” “somewhat helpful,” or “unhelpful,” and provide reasons for their rating, such as the quality of sources cited or the clarity and neutrality of the writing. A bridging-based algorithm will then evaluate these ratings to decide which notes are published.
According to the company, a bridging-based algorithm helps identify notes that are helpful to a broad audience across perspectives.
If many people who have rated notes differently in the past now rate the same note as helpful, then YouTube’s system is more likely to show that note under a video.
YouTube has acknowledged that during this testing phase, there may be some mistakes—such as notes that don’t quite fit the video or information that could be incorrect. These challenges are seen as valuable learning opportunities to refine and improve the experiment moving forward.
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Ayushi Jain
Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds. View Full Profile
